This topic provides information on chronic pain that is caused by factors other than cancer.

Learn about chronic pain and how it develops.

The symptoms of chronic pain include: Mild to severe pain that does not go away as expected after an illness or injury. Pain that may be described as shooting, burning, aching, or electrical. Discomfort, soreness, tightness, or stiffness.

In some cases, chronic pain develops after an injury or illness. The pain continues even after you have recovered from the injury or illness. For example, many people who have had a limb amputated report feeling chronic pain in the missing limb.

Factors that may increase the risk of chronic pain include several things.

Call a doctor about chronic pain if your pain has lasted more than 3 months without a clear reason.

Many exams and tests are used to evaluate chronic pain.

Treating chronic pain can be challenging. Often the reason for the pain is not clear, and it may take several types or combinations of treatments before you find relief.

Chronic pain cannot always be prevented. Maintaining good physical and mental health may be the best way to prevent chronic pain or help you cope with the constant pain. It is important to get enough sleep every night. Treat your health problems early, le

Learn what you can do to manage chronic pain.

Medications can often help control chronic pain. Many different drugs, both prescription and nonprescription, are used to treat chronic pain.

Surgery is not often used to treat chronic pain. The decision to have surgery depends on your condition and the cause of your pain. Surgery is usually considered only after other treatments have failed, or if it is considered medically necessary.

Learn about other treatments to reduce chronic pain.

A list of resources for information on and treatment of chronic pain.

A list of links to information about other conditions related to Chronic Pain.

A list of resources for information on chronic pain.

This list of authors contributed to the topic on chronic pain.